Afton Villa Garden

The ruined mansion of this great southern estate has been incorporated into an atmospheric garden design. It is rich in old trees, Spanish moss and flamboyantly bright azaleas. A gravel court has statues of Diana, Apollo, Hospitality and Abundance, imported from Italy. Terraces descend from the remains of the mansion to a ravine. The restoration was guided by Dr Neil Odenwald, a landscape architect from Baton Rouge. Since the restoration was part-inspired by Sissinghurst, it may be regarded as an example of the Arts and Crafts style.